Bradford’s cultural connection: a model for low-carbon district heating

The first phase of Bradford’s new heat network will be able to deliver up to 60GWh of low carbon heat when it comes online in 2026. Andy Pearson speaks to engineer FairHeat and 1Energy, the company behind the project, which plans to invest in 10 similar schemes in British cities

Setting the scene: Manchester’s new arts venue Aviva Studios

Manchester’s new arts venue, Aviva Studios, features two huge events spaces that can host anything from poetry readings to mega-raves. BDP had the challenge of devising a flexible lighting and services strategy that could adapt to any artistic situation, as the consultant’s Steve Merridew and Nick Meddows explain

Network provider: Gareth Jones on the heat network revolution

The Energy Act 2023 paves the way for the mass rollout of heat networks in the UK, and the mandatory connection of many buildings. Alex Smith speaks to FairHeat’s Gareth Jones about government plans to regulate new networks and raise the standard of the 14,000 already in place

Infrared shift: a new standard for LiFi

A new standard covering the use of infrared in LiFi communication catapults the technology into mainstream relevance – a move that could redefine data communication in built environments, says LiFi.co’s Jeroen van Gils

Reaching new heights: the all-timber Black and White office building

A six-storey timber façade at the Black and White office building in London helped slash embodied carbon and won its engineer an SFE Façade 2023 Design and Engineering Award. Andy Pearson finds out how the winning design was engineered while alleviating safety risks

Lighting up the gallery: daylighting in arts institutions

Advanced techniques in lighting analysis are allowing designers to reintroduce daylighting into galleries without damaging the exhibits or causing visual discomfort to those viewing them. Max Fordham’s Nick Cramp highlights the benefits

Back in control: making savings with BMS optimisation

The optimisation of HVAC controls for a Croydon office has reduced energy use by 28% over nine months, resulting in a £171,000 saving in operational energy costs. REsustain’s Annie Marston describes how CO2 was slashed for a minimal capital cost